Forum Discussion

cbshoestring's avatar
cbshoestring
Explorer II
Jan 14, 2016

So, we went to the Pittsburgh RV show last night...

1. Yes, it is true...you can buy a 5th wheel for about 1/2 the cost of the truck you will need to tug it.

2. Yes, dear...that trailer has a low-low payment of $XXXX, the same we paid on ours. Ours???? 60 months. That one...144 months.

3. Too many bunks, too many toy haulers. We need neither, would liked to have seen more trailers for two, that were not 15' long.

4. Not enough accessory vendors. I wanted to see the latest must have gadgets. Where were all the camping goodies?????

5. Too many non-RV related vendors. If I want to buy windows or gutter guards...I will go to the "HOME SHOW".

6. Being a trailer guy....can one of you MH guys explain to me why the dash board is two feet wide. I stood behind the wheel and still could not reach the windshield. Why all that space???? I can reach the windsheild in a tractor-trailer from the seat, just by leaning forward.

Still had a good time getting out of the house with my bride. Talked with a couple of camp ground reps. looking forward to spring.

Going back outside into 19 degree weather reminded me why I am on here, instead of out there.
Seeking Advice
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Jan 15, 2016
    ams1130 wrote:
    pawpaw47 wrote:
    To bad there isn't an RV accessories show for those of us who aren't looking for a new rig, but just want to see all the new goodies.


    X3


    X4, but just a bigger showing at normal RV shows, while not in the market for new, looking at new rigs can inspire upgrades to the existing unit.

    Some of the dealers have small accessories store setup, but not really pushing new or great products.
  • ams1130's avatar
    ams1130
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2016
    pawpaw47 wrote:
    To bad there isn't an RV accessories show for those of us who aren't looking for a new rig, but just want to see all the new goodies.


    X3
  • dewey02's avatar
    dewey02
    Explorer II
    Jan 15, 2016
    pawpaw47 wrote:
    To bad there isn't an RV accessories show for those of us who aren't looking for a new rig, but just want to see all the new goodies.


    X2.
  • Go_Dogs's avatar
    Go_Dogs
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2016
    Thanks for the review. I'm glad I didn't miss much-I can spend the admission/parking fees on something else!
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Jan 15, 2016
    I totally agree with #4! If I want new gutters, or windows I would go to the Home Show.I am sure it is a a cost on return issue, but I would like to see more accessory and repair vendors than Home improvement vendors.
    Maybe a knowable rep from a major tire retailer, with some great options tires both TV and trailer.
  • pawpaw47's avatar
    pawpaw47
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2016
    To bad there isn't an RV accessories show for those of us who aren't looking for a new rig, but just want to see all the new goodies.
  • ken56's avatar
    ken56
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2016
    Just had a crazy thought. With the new fangled electronic steering gears being made now wouldn't it be cool if they came out with a joy stick to steer your coach with, just like a jet fighter?? Look at all the room that would free up.

    The Knoxville show was last weekend too, pretty much the same thing, no real "goodies" just the same old stuff that you can get at any RV supply place. No great innovations or floor plan designs. It was nice browsing though.
  • PghBob's avatar
    PghBob
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2016
    Your thoughts about the RV show are why I quit going to this one. The Hershey show in Sept. is significantly better. Many more RV related vendors there as well. BTW, I lived in Penn Hills for a few years.

    Bob
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Jan 15, 2016
    For number 6, I assume that's mainly determined by where the steering column is in relation to the front of the chassis (for a Class A motorhome), which in turn is determined by the design and setup of the steering gear. The alternative I guess would be to have the windshield set back from the front of the vehicle, which maybe they think would look weird and might make the framing of the house part more complicated.

    Having some space between you and the front of the vehicle is good from a crash safety standpoint, particularly if it's nicely engineered to crush on impact and absorb energy. I remember reading once about the length of the crush zone having a mathematical relationship to how fast a collision you could walk away from, based on the maximum deceleration the human body could withstand.

    In a class C motorhome, of course, the size of the dashboard is entirely determined by the chassis maker.

    My Honda Fit has about a two foot deep dashboard to the bottom of the windshield, for what it's worth, I assume there in an attempt to make a more aerodynamic brick shape.
  • Markiemark32's avatar
    Markiemark32
    Explorer
    Jan 14, 2016
    cbshoestring wrote:
    1. Yes, it is true...you can buy a 5th wheel for about 1/2 the cost of the truck you will need to tug it.

    2. Yes, dear...that trailer has a low-low payment of $XXXX, the same we paid on ours. Ours???? 60 months. That one...144 months.

    3. Too many bunks, too many toy haulers. We need neither, would liked to have seen more trailers for two, that were not 15' long.

    4. Not enough accessory vendors. I wanted to see the latest must have gadgets. Where were all the camping goodies?????

    5. Too many non-RV related vendors. If I want to buy windows or gutter guards...I will go to the "HOME SHOW".

    6. Being a trailer guy....can one of you MH guys explain to me why the dash board is two feet wide. I stood behind the wheel and still could not reach the windshield. Why all that space???? I can reach the windsheild in a tractor-trailer from the seat, just by leaning forward.

    .


    Atlanta's first one of the year was last weekend, very similar thoughts: lots of Toy Haulers with a lot of bells & whistles, multiple porches, rooms, TV's, etc.... lots of bunk options.

    Not many REAL RV accessories, and a lot of home improvement pushing sales people, windows, gutter guards, I always tell them I live in a RV!

    Changes this year --- not a whole lot -
    Still fun to attend, dream a little, entertaining hearing non-Rv folks discuss units, entertaining hearing Sales pitches....

    Had a guy in in large toyhauler, ask if his Toyota pathfinder could pull it.........and I believe he was serious.

    Saw a sales guy hang from a cabinet above a door, to show how strong it was!

    Atlanta Show Pics


    Markiemark:C

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